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Feature - Main

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Jordan Farr of D.C. United voted TheCup.us Player of Round

June 10, 2025 by Justin Nunez

Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: D.C. United

When Jordan Farr stepped in goal for his first cap as a Major League Soccer player, little did he know it would go on to become one of the most memorable moments in D.C. United’s rich history.

As extra time neared its final minutes in D.C. United’s Fifth Round US Open Cup match against Charlotte FC, Farr entered the game as a last-minute sub and went on to save four out of five penalties to send DC United into the quarterfinals and earning him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the Round of 16.

Farr became the first player in the US Open Cup’s Modern Era to make four saves in a PK shootout to send United into the Quarterfinals with a 2-1 win after a 3-3 draw.

TheCup.us Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Farr earned more than half of the first place votes to distance himself from Anthony Markanich of Minnesota United FC (MLS) who scored two late goals to help his club complete a comeback win over St. Louis CITY SC. San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. finished third for his 120-minute shutout win over the Portland Timbers FC.

Record-Breaking Ending

Normally, as the backup goalkeeper, Farr would only be making an appearance in the event of injury. But in this moment, it was part of the plan all along.

Shared D.C. United head coach Troy Lesesne, “We knew going into this that if we went to penalties and we had a substitution left, we wanted him to be in that situation so he could do what he did tonight.”

Since signing his first professional contract in 2018, Farr’s profile had grown to legendary status in the second division of US Soccer thanks in large part to clutch saves in moments just like this one.

Growing up in Salem, Oregon, Farr first made a name for himself playing college soccer locally at Corban University, a school whose teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which caters to smaller colleges across the U.S. It was there that he earned a host of conference and league awards, while also reaching number two on the NAIA All-Time Career Shutouts List.

Upon graduation, he signed with USL Championship’s Indy Eleven and took hold of the starting goalkeeper spot by his third year, which is when his professional highlight reel started to grow. Thanks to his success at Indy Eleven, Farr was acquired by San Antonio FC through an emergency loan deal in anticipation of the 2021 USL Championship playoffs. The next year, Farr joined San Antonio on a permanent deal and became the USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Year while helping the team secure its first title in the club’s history. Following a second successful season with San Antonio, Farr signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies where he became known for his many game-saving moments, none greater than when he saved two penalties in a shootout to help his side beat Detroit City FC and advance to the playoff quarterfinals.

DC United We Want The Cup shirt
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Still though, Farr had yet to be tested at the Major League Soccer level.

So when the first Charlotte FC player stepped up to the penalty spot, few knew what to expect. But it soon became apparent that Farr was the calmest person inside Audi Field. As the first kick was struck, Farr dove to his right with outstretched arms and parried the shot away before it had the chance to hit the side netting of the goal.

Then came the second shot. Another save. And another. And another.

For the fans in attendance, it was a moment they’ll never forget. But for Farr, it was business as usual.

“As a keeper, you have to love moments like this,” Farr said. “I said to myself, you’ve done this before and you just have to trust your gut. I’m blessed I was able to be in this position for my team.”

His heroic shootout performance was the first time in the US Open Cup’s Modern Era that a goalkeeper saved four out of five penalties. And to do so after spending the majority of the game on the bench is another feat all unto itself.

The practice of subbing in a goalkeeper just for the penalty kick shootout is pretty rare in the US Open Cup as well. It has only happened five times.

The first two times that it happened both involved D.C. United in 1997. In both instances, head coach Bruce Arena replaced Scott Garlick with Tom Presthus. In the Third Round, Presthus made three saves to deny the A-League’s (Div. 2 pro) Hershey Wildcats a shot at an upset. However, in the 1997 Final, Presthus and United fell short, with a 5-3 loss to the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) after a scoreless draw.

The Philadelphia Union also subbed in a goalkeeper in a championship game when they sent in John McCarthy to replace Andre Blake in the 2025 US Open Cup Final. They would lose to Sporting Kansas City 7-6 after a 1-1 draw.

Two years later, the gamble paid off for amateur side Anahuac FC edged Sonoma County Sol (NPSL) 5-4 after trading a goal each in regulation. Christopher Valentin would replace Angel Octavio Alvarez.

The last time it happened was in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup when the now defunct Rochester New York FC (MLS NEXT Pro) took six rounds to prevail against FC Motown (NPSL) 4-3 following a 2-2 draw.

Jordan Farr of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates after defeating Charlotte FC 2-1 in a penalty kick shootout in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United
Jordan Farr of D.C. United celebrates with his teammates after defeating Charlotte FC 2-1 in a penalty kick shootout in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: D.C. United

Outside of the US Open Cup, only a select-few goalkeepers around the world have come off the bench to help their teams in penalties in a high-profile situation. During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul was subbed on in the 120th minute and saved two out of five penalties to help the Netherlands beat Costa Rica in the Quarterfinals. Similarly, during the 2021 UEFA Super Cup Final, Chelsea FC brought on backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 119th minute for penalties against Spanish side Villareal, and the club won the shootout 6-5 thanks to two saves from Arrizabalaga.

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, DC United, Player of the Round

2025 National Amateur Cup: Pancyprian Freedoms, Christos reach Northeast Final, Midwest down to eight

May 27, 2025 by Michael Battista

Players from RWB Adria (left) and Rockford FC (right) battle for the ball during a USASA Region II Amateur Cup, Round 2 game (Credit: Mariano Rosado / Stateline Photos)
Players from RWB Adria (left) and Rockford FC (right) battle for the ball during a USASA Region II Amateur Cup, Round 2 game (Credit: Mariano Rosado / Stateline Photos)
Players from RWB Adria (left) and Rockford FC (right) battle for the ball during a USASA Region II Amateur Cup, Round 2 game (Credit: Mariano Rosado / Stateline Photos)

Over the last two weeks, the 2025 National Amateur Cup played out in the Northeast and Midwest.

Tons of red cards, major names in amateur soccer bowing out, and one regional final was set. The Northeast will see the defending champions take on a Mid-Atlantic powerhouse for both the regional trophy and a spot in the national final four. Out in the Midwest, a multi-time national champion is heading to the Quarterfinals alongside plenty of new faces.

You can find information for every game the last two weeks below. Additionally, here are links to the articles made over the last month regarding other results:

  • April 6 (Intro)
  • April 8 (Region I)
  • April 25 (Region I QF, Region II Round 1 Preview)
  • April 30 (Region I QF recap, Region II Round 1 recap Part 1)
  • May 13 (Region II Round 1 recap Part 2)
  • May 16 (Region I Semifinal, Region II Round 2 Preview)

FULL 2025 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

REGION I (NORTHEAST) – SEMIFINALS


SUNDAY, May 18

NY Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL)
3:2
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, APSL)

St. Michael’s Park – Queens, NY

A wild battle between two top teams in the American Premier Soccer League saw defending national champions New York Pancyprian Freedoms beat Lansdowne Yonkers FC, 3-2. Yonkers held a two-goal lead after 45 minutes, but a red card to goalkeeper Daniel DiMarco changed the match. The Freedoms scored all three goals in the second half, with red cards shown to both teams – Dilon Woods for the Freedoms and Musa Bala Danso for Lansdowne. The win keeps New York alive for a potential repeat and second ever Amateur Cup.

(Recap on Hudson River Blue by Michael Battista)

Goal scorers

NYPF:

  • James Thristino 54’ (Devin Heanue), 58’
  • Gonzalo Gil 81’ (Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo)

LYFC:

  • Jared Juleau 30’ (Eddie Speed)
  • Kyle Galloway 34’ (Jared Juleau)

Match Broadcast


West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
2:3
Christos FC (MD, ASPL)

After Extra Time
Bryn Athyn College – Bryn Athyn, PA

Christos FC scored twice in extra time to beat Pennsylvania powerhouse West Chester United, 3-2. West Chester scored first but Christos equalized late in the second half. In extra time, the Maryland side and Stewart Cup champions found the back of the net first and didn’t look back, knotting a third goal not long after. West Chester scored again with about eight minutes to play but couldn’t find a third for an equalizer.

Goal scorers

WCU:

  • Joshua Luchini (Ridge Robinson)
  • Dylan Lacy

Christos:

  • Ethan Watson (x2)
  • Nick Richardson

UPDATE: On Wednesday night (May 28), a panel from the USASA National Cup committee reviewed a protest filed by West Chester United regarding their match against Christos FC. It alleged that Christos did not email their updated player pool and a player, Ben Stitz, that was not on submitted the game day list came on in the second half. USASA has upheld the protest and as a result Christos has been disqualified from the tournament. West Chester United SC will advance to play in June’s USASA Region I Amateur Cup Final.

REGION II (MIDWEST) – ROUND 2


Sunday, May 18

Michigan Rangers FC (MI, NPSL)
2:0
Edgewater Castle FC (IL, MWPL)

Davenport University Football Stadium – Caledonia, MI

Goals in each half sent the Michigan Rangers into the Quarterfinals past Edgewater Castle, 2-0. The National Premier Soccer League side held the Midwest Premier League unit off, earning a clean sheet for goalkeeper Noah Crisp. The Rangers join its league rival and the defending regional champion Milwaukee Torrent in the last eight of the tournament.

Goal scorers

MRFC:

  • Mason Smith 6’
  • Chris Mendez 68’ (PK)

Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL)
3:1
Northern Kentucky Nitro FC (KY, OVPL)

Seven Hills School – Cincinnati, OH

Valhalla FC beat Northern Kentucky Nitro FC, 3-1, to reach the Quarterfinals. Both Ohio Valley Premier League sides were playing their second game against fellow league members, with Valhalla beating Bootleggers AC and Nitro beating Cincy SC last round. Valhalla has been a regular in Amateur Cup play over the last few years and are attempting to win their first regional championship. The Ohio side went down a man in the first half when Pierce Turner was shown a red card in the 25th minute. Despite playing a majority of the game down a man, the offense scored three unanswered goals for the comeback win.

Goal scorers

Valhalla:

  • Itay Soffer 64’ (PK)
  • Justin Rosa 86’
  • Kees Ciric 90+2’

NKN:

  • Andrej Novakovic 27’ (Serge Nkomeza)

Match Broadcast


Wednesday, May 21

Michigan Stars U23 (MI, MWPL)
1:0
Livonia City FC (MI, MPSL)

Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI

In a match between two teams trying to make their marks, Michigan Stars Under-23s advanced past Livonia City FC, 1-0. Gjon Melakuqi, the Stars top goal scorer from last year’s Midwest Premier League campaign, scored not long after the second half kicked off and the team didn’t allow an equalizer. The Stars are looking to add another trophy to the organization’s legacy after the first team won the 2022 National Independent Soccer Association title.

Goal scorer

MSFC:

  • Gjon Melakuqi 48’

Match Broadcast:


Saturday, May 24

Vlora FC (MN, MASL)
6:2
United Serbian SC (WI, WSL)

After Extra Time
Burnsville High School – Burnsville, MN

Vlora FC won a wild match over United Serbian Soccer Club, with extra time and multiple red cards involved in the 6-2 win. Off the jump, a USSC chance in the Vlora box was scuffled by a hard challenge and things tumbled from there. Serb’s Reyes Perez was shown a second yellow in the 52nd minute, Vlora brace scorer Benjamin Peña was shown a second yellow for a harsh reaction to a referee call in the 102nd minute, and USSC’s Milorad Kosanović was shown a second yellow for pushing against another players face in the 104th. Overall the home side was able to take advantage of an aggressive side as a game wore on from 90 minutes to 120.

(Full match recap by Tim Abbott on Northern Lights Football)

Goal scorers

Vlora:

  • Benjamin Peña 18’, 96’ (Sohail Ebrahimi)
  • Easton Hoch 52’ (Oscar Gonzalez)
  • Jerónimo Zelaya Diaz 103’ (Deq Jama)
  • Redouane Baarab 105’
  • Vladimir Petrovic 120’ (Own Goal)

USSC:

  • Aleksandar Prpa 62’ (PK) 
  • Vladimir Petrovic 70’ (Aleksandar Prpa)

Match Broadcast (YouTube)


Sunday, May 25

Rockford FC (IL, MWPL)
0:2
RWB Adria (IL, MWPL)

After Extra Time
Mercyhealth Sportscore Two – Loves Park, IL

After 120 minutes, two-time National Amateur Cup champion RWB Adria beat Rockford FC, 2-0. A scoreless draw through regulation, the two Midwest Premier League sides entered extra time with chances to go ahead. In the end, George Maridas notched a brace in the extra half hour to send the Chicago side to the Quarterfinals.

Goal scorers

RWB:

  • George Maridas (x2)

Wednesday, May 28

Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
3
:2
KS Wisloka Chicago (IL, PSLC)
Stuart Field at the Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago, IL

Round 2 closed out with a rematch from last fall’s US Open Cup qualifying tournament. Chicago House once again beat Wisloka Chicago, 3-2, to clinch a spot in the Amateur Cup regional quarterfinals. It was a beautiful night in the windy city and both teams scored twice in the opening half to make a deadlock heading into the break. It would be Ricardo “Kikis” Avalos who stepped up early in the second half to score what would be the game winning goal. House is now back in the quarters for a second straight year, having lost to eventual regional champion FC Milwaukee Torrent in 2024’s tournament.

“These are the kinds of games that show who we are — resilient, hungry, and united. Every player stepped up tonight, and I’m proud to wear the armband for this group. But we’re not satisfied. The mission continues,” said House captain Pau Mateo Chacon after the match.

Goal scorers

CHAC:

  • Nico Williams 8′
  • Pau Meteo Chacon 39′
  • Ricardo “Kikis” Avalos 51′

Wisloka:

  • Patrick Knap 14′
  • Lukasz Sulka 38′

Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Main, Featured Post - US Open Cup Qualifying, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2025 National Amateur Cup, National Amateur Cup, USASA Region I, USASA Region II

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

May 22, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

Graphic: Phil Naegely

The Fifth Round (Round of 16) of the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete. There were a number of impressive individual performances over the round’s eight games. But which one was the best?  

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or upcoming rounds, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research its long history. If you did have a vote, which player do YOU think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Player, Team (League)

Osman Bukari, Austin FC (MLS)

Bukari started and played 70 minutes, scored on a penalty kick in the 6th minute and assisted on another goal in Austin FC’s 3-1 home win over the Houston Dynamo FC (MLS).

Hugo Cuypers, Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

Started, played 70 minutes, scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal in the 69th minute in a 3-1 road win over the New England Revolution (MLS).

Bruno Damiani , Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Damiani started and played 66 minutes, scored Union’s first goal in the 18th minute from a penalty kick, and assisted on Union’s third goal in Philadelphia’s 4-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C).

Earl Edwards Jr., San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Edwards Jr. started and played all 120 minutes, keeping a clean sheet while making 5 saves from 14 shots in San Jose’s 1-0 extra time home win over the Portland Timbers FC (MLS)

Jordan Farr, D.C. United (MLS)

Came on as a substitute goalkeeper in the 119th minute and saved four of Charlotte FC’s five attempts in the penalty shootout in D.C. United’s 2-1 PK shootout win after a 2-2 draw at home over Charlotte FC (MLS). It was the first time in the Modern Era that a goalkeeper made four saves in a penalty shootout.

Emil Forsberg, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Entered the match in the 65th minute, replacing goalscorer Mohamed Sofo. Then scored the game-tying penalty kick in second half stoppage time. After a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes, Forsberg converted his penalty kick attempt in the fifth round of the shootout to beat FC Dallas (MLS), 4-3.

AJ Marcucci, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Started and played all 120 minutes, allowed two goals but made two critical saves off four shots on target. Made a game-winning save in Round 5 of New York’s 4-3 PK shootout win over FC Dallas (MLS) after a 2-2 draw at home.

Anthony Markanich , Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Markanich started and played all 90 minutes, scoring goals in the 85th and 88th minutes in Minnesota United’s 3–2 come-from-behind home win over St. Louis CITY SC (MLS).

Wyatt Meyer, Nashville SC (MLS)

Started, played 90 minutes and scored the game-winning goal (his first career goal) in the 79th minute in a 3-2 road win over Orlando City SC (MLS).

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup

2025 US Open Cup Round 5 Review: First all-MLS Quarterfinal field since 2015 complete

May 22, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

Graphic: Frank Lanham | Photo: Matt Ralph - Philadelphia Soccer Now
Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: Matt Ralph - Philadelphia Soccer Now
Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: Matt Ralph – Philadelphia Soccer Now

For the first time in a decade all eight of the teams left in the Quarterfinals will be from Major League Soccer.

The Philadelphia Union dispatched the USL Championship’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds by the score of 4-1. The Riverhounds were the last remaining lower division club in the competition.

Aside from convincing 3-1 wins by Austin FC (over the Houston Dynamo) and the Chicago Fire FC (over the New England Revolution), the rest of the Round of 16 was full of drama. Two games went to penalty kicks and the other three were one-goal games. 

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The draw for the Quarterfinals will take place on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. ET and broadcast live on CBS Sports Golazo. The Round of Eight is scheduled to take place the week of July 8-9.

Below you will find a brief recap of all eight games with links to the full match report.

TUESDAY, MAY 20

Graphic: Frank Lanham

New England Revolution (MLS)
1:3
Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

By Alex Campbell

The Chicago Fire took another step toward what they hope will be an MLS-record fifth US Open Cup title on Tuesday night in Providence, Rhode Island at the home of the Providence College Friars with a 3-1 win over the New England Revolution. An own goal by New England’s Eric Klein, volley from a rebound off the crossbar by Hugo Cuypers, a spectacular solo effort by substitute Philip Zinckernagel, and a consolation own goal via the Fire’s Justin Reynolds provided the scoring in what went from a slog to a comfortable win.

Chicago made only one lineup change from their 4-0 Round of 32 victory of Detroit City of the USL Championship, while the Revolution XI included just one player who had started an MLS match this season. That quality discrepancy eventually played out on the pitch, and the winningest team in USOC history are into Thursday’s quarterfinal draw.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
1:0
Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
After Extra Time

By Favian Renkel

Jack Skahan delivered a dramatic late winner to lift the San Jose Earthquakes past their Round of 16 opponent in the U.S. Open Cup, securing a 1-0 victory and a place in the Quarterfinals. Skahan found the back of the net in the dying minutes, capitalizing on a rare chance in an otherwise tight and physical match. His goal not only sealed the win but also marked one of the most important moments of the Earthquakes’ season so far.

The Quakes came into the match leading MLS with goal scored with 29 on the season. Even without Chicho Arango and Josef Martínez available for the match, the Quakes still found a way to get the job done. San Jose will now await the draw for their Quarterfinal opponent. The Quakes have never lifted the U.S. Open Cup but are now just one win away from matching their best runs in the tournament, having reached the Semifinals in both 2004 and 2017.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

Graphic: Frank Lanham

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2:2
FC Dallas (MLS)
New York advances, 4-3 on penalty kicks

By Adam Uthe

It wasn’t pretty, but the New York Red Bulls won the penalty shootout to advance past FC Dallas and into the 2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. The home side fell behind not once, but twice in the first 90 minutes before Emil Forsberg tied it up in stoppage time and then went on to score the winner in penalties.

The Red Bulls dominated possession early on, but it was Dallas who got on the scoreboard first. Bernard Kamungo scored via an assist from Petar Musa in the 28th minute on Dallas’ first (and only) real chance up to that point. New York continued to generate touches inside of Dallas’ penalty area but they couldn’t convert said chances into a single shot on target and the visitors took their lead into halftime. 

The second half played out mostly the same way, with New York applying more pressure and eventually they were rewarded for their effort. In the 63rd minute, Mohammed Sofo pounced on a loose ball in the box and converted his shot to level the score at 1-1. Dallas fought their way back into the match and in the 77th minute, Lucho Acosta (after receiving a pass from Kamungo) split two defenders in the box with a brilliant heel flick before burying his shot to make it 2-1 Dallas. It looked like Dallas was headed for a victory, but then Emil Forbserg’s free kick in stoppage time took a kind deflection off the Dallas wall and the two sides were forced to play an additional 30 minutes.

There was some brief controversy in extra time as the referee gave a free kick just on the edge of the box that, after at least three minutes of time elapsed, eventually resulted in a red card for Dallas midfielder Ramiro. This time, Forsberg’s free kick was saved and eventually penalties were needed to decide everything. New York converted four out of five while Dallas could only get three and the hosts progressed to their 10th Open Cup quarterfinal appearance in club history.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

D.C. United (MLS)
3:3
Charlotte FC (MLS)
D.C. United advances, 2-1 on penalty kicks

By Becca Mitchum

A dramatic penalty shootout cleared the way for D.C. United’s next step in the Open Cup after 120 minutes of play resulted in three goals for each team.  David Schnegg opened up the scoring in the 17th minute, but two quick goals by Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang and Bill Tuiloma,  in the 58th and 61st minute respectively, kept the game competitive.  A tying goal by DCU’s Garrison Tubbs ensured extra time. Then each team scored another, with Tyger Smalls scoring for the Crown in the 95th, and DCU drawing level once again in the 104th minute with a goal from Jackson Hopkins.

An uncommon goalkeeper substitute in the 119th minute proved to be the right choice as Jordan Farr managed to save four out of Charlotte’s five shots, and D.C. United converting two shots against Charlotte’s goalkeeper David Bingham. This is the first 2-1 PK result in the Modern Era of the US Open Cup, and D.C. United advances past the Round of 16 for the first time since their Open Cup run in 2013.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Minnesota United FC (MLS)
3:2
St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)

By Tim Thomas

A chaotic back and forth match in the rain saw Minnesota United defeat St. Louis CITY SC by a score of 3-2.

Minnesota got out to a quick start with a 10th minute goal by Kelvin Yeboah. Marcel Hartel would even it up for CITY in the 55th minute and João Klauss would give them the lead with a 65th minute header. In a cruel twist of fate for CITY, the hero of the game for Minnesota would be former St. Louis player Anthony Markanich who scored a pair of goals in the span of three minutes.

The victory marks the second time Minnesota has advanced to the Round of Eight, with the last time coming in 2019 when they reached the Open Cup Final.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Orlando City SC (MLS)
2:3
Nashville SC (MLS)

By Connor Bunnell

It was an absolute roller coaster ride in the theme park capital of the world, as Nashville SC beat Orlando City 3-2 in the Lions’ house.

The scoring started in the 17th minute when Alexander Freeman supplied a ball that Marco Pašalić launched from distance, putting Orlando in front. However, they would only enjoy that lead for six minutes, as Teal Bunbury went for his ninth career Open Cup goal, but made Rodrigo Schlegel own-goal it instead. That was fine by the Coyotes, who completed the comeback in the 40th thanks to an incisive Matt Corcoran pass and a roller to the far post from Ahmed Qasem.

That left the Lions down by halftime, but certainly not out. Once again, Pašalić got involved, this time providing the assist as Ramiro Enrique scored for the second time in as many rounds. That put things back level at the 58-minute mark, and from there, anything was possible. However, not long after a crucial non-call for what City believed was a handball in Nashville’s penalty box, Patrick Yazbek passed the ball back with street soccer flair to rookie defender Wyatt Meyer, who unleashed a wicked curler to score his first professional goal and retake the lead for the boys in gold. Orlando fought furiously for the rest of the match to try and send it to extra time and created several good chances along the way, but it was all for naught. Nashville withstood the final storm, avenging their loss to Orlando in 2022’s Open Cup to make a grand return to the Quarterfinals.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Philadelphia Union (MLS)
4:1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)

By Zoe Schaedle

And then there were none. The Philadelphia Union eliminated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the last of the USL Championship teams remaining in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Union coached by Bradley Carnell, advanced to the Quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over the Riverhounds. 

Union’s Bruno Damiani, the 23-year-old transfer from Nacional, opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a penalty kick from a hand ball in the box. The Uruguayan forward slotted a left-footed finish down the middle over the outstretched arms of Riverhounds keeper Eric Dick. 

The Union enjoyed possession in the midfield against Pittsburgh’s defense-heavy lineup. Brothers Quinn Sullivan and Cavan Sullivan led the Union in quick counter attacks resulting in the Union’s second goal by Indiana Vassilev in the 46th minute to conclude the first half.

Philadelphia came out sharp to start the second half with Danley Jean Jacques finding the back of the net in the 54th minute from a Damiani assist, making it a 3-0 game. However, Riverhounds substitute Jorge Garcia gave Pittsburgh some hope with a right footed shot from outside the box only one minute after entering the match for teammate Bertin Jacquesson.

The Union quelled any hope of a comeback with a solo goal by substitute Jovan Lukic in the 86th minute. The 23-year-old midfielder who joined the Union in February demonstrated composure, weaving through Riverhounds defenders to slot the ball in the bottom left corner.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Austin FC (MLS)
3:1
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)

By Zach Stein

Austin FC clinched their first-ever quarterfinal appearance in a heated 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo that included 22 total fouls. The first half was back-and-forth and relatively drama-free, with the lone goal coming from Brandon Vazquez as he opened the scoring for Austin with a near-post shot in the 29th minute. 

In the 52nd minute, a penalty kick was awarded as Houston’s Franco Escobar was called for handball on a slide tackle. Copa Tejas tempers began to flare up quickly, and Osman Bukari dispatched the penalty to give Austin a 2-0 lead. Eight minutes later, a Bukari pass found Ilie Sanchez on the other end of the five-yard box, who scored his first Austin FC goal. Fouls became frequent as Escobar was shown the first yellow card of the match in the 67th minute, but he made up for it and his earlier handball by assisting Ezequiel Ponce as Houston clawed one back to make it 3-1.

Despite both teams earning plenty of set-piece opportunities, no more goals were scored. Yet the drama didn’t stop there as Dynamos midfielder Brooklyn Raines was shown his second yellow in the first minute of stoppage time, shortly followed by a straight red to Austin’s Julio Cascante in the game’s final minutes.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

 

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup

Dating back to 1913, Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh soccer rivalry returns to US Open Cup

May 20, 2025 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

1952 US Open Cup Final First Leg (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

It’s a geographic rivalry that crosses the boundaries of sports. Steelers vs. Eagles, Pirates vs. Phillies, Penguins vs Flyers, Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia. In the world of American Pro soccer however, the cities have never crossed paths in the NASL or MLS. There is one soccer competition the two cities, and regions, would get a chance to clash, the U.S. Open Cup. 

Surprisingly this year’s Fifth Round matchup between the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and the Philadelphia Union is the first time in the Modern Era (since 1995) that teams from those cities have met. According to TheCup.us records, the last time the two cities squared off in the tournament was in the 1992 First Round when the United German Hungarians (Oakford, Pa.) defeated Beadling SC (Beadling, Pa.), 2-0.

Dating back to the first year of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 1913, clubs from Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania and Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania have clashed more than a few times.

Here are some of the bigger US Open Cup showdowns between teams from the two regions over the years:

Pittsburgh Press

December 6, 1913
National Challenge Cup Second Round
Braddock FC 2:3 (AET) Bethlehem FC

Forbes Field – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Braddock: Kelly 61’, McCann 81’
Bethlehem: Tommy Fleming 12’ (PK), 82’, 118

The first US Open Cup meeting between Eastern and Western Pennsylvania took place in the Second Round of the very first edition of the tournament (then known as the National Challenge Cup) on Dec. 6, 1913 at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.

Bethlehem was yet to be known as Bethlehem Steel in 1913, simply as Bethlehem FC. Coming off a 16-1-0 championship season in Philadelphia’s Allied American Football League for the 1912-13 season, Bethlehem were in the middle of a 13-0-0 championship run in the AAFL for 1913-14 campaign. Similarly, Braddock were the 1912-13 champions of the Pittsburgh District Association Football League with a 15-0-3 record. 

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "US Open Cup Champions" shirt which celebrates the five teams with the most titles (pre-Modern Era). Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “US Open Cup Champions” shirt which celebrates the five teams with the most titles (pre-Modern Era). Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Before what the Pittsburgh Post described as “the biggest crowd that ever witnessed a club soccer game in Pittsburgh”, Bethlehem and Braddock took part in what would be called an “instant classic” today. Bethlehem scored the lone goal of the opening half, as future Hall of Famer Tommy Fleming converted a penalty kick in the 12th minute, awarded when Howe for Braddock was called for a handball.

Braddock dominated play for the first 15 minutes of the second half, leading to their tying goal when Kelly scored in the 61st minute. The goal sent the Forbes Field crowd into a frenzy. As the Pittsburgh Press described, “The spectators gave vent to their feelings and pandemonium reigned for five minutes.” Twenty minutes later, McCann beat Bethlehem goalkeeper Love from close range, and it looked as though Braddock were on their way to the Third Round.

However, just a minute later, Bethlehem were awarded a free kick with Fleming stepping up to take it. Instead of lofting the ball in the mass of players in penalty area, Flemming shot directly at goal, catching Braddock goalkeeper Marshall off guard. Each team had its chances in the remaining time, but neither could break through, and extra time was needed.

The First Cup: Four teams move on to Round 3, two more to be decided by protest or replay (Dec. 6, 1913)

The first 15 minutes of extra time came and went without a goal, but at the start of the second period of extra time Braddock had a corner kick and for a full minute the ball never left the penalty area before being cleared. With two minutes remaining, Fleming took the ball on a 40-yard run and beat Marshall, winning it for Bethlehem with his third goal of the game.

Bethlehem would fall short of a first title, losing 1-0 in the Third Round to eventual champions Brooklyn Field Club, but they would only have to wait another year. Bethlehem would still take home some cup trophies, winning the American Cup and the Allied American League Amateur Cup, making them the first treble champions in American soccer history.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

April 5, 1915
National Challenge Cup Semifinals
Bethlehem Steel 4:1 Homestead Steel Works
Taylor Field – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem: James Ford 44’ 65’ 75’, Tommy Fleming 1H (PK)
Homestead: Crawley 8’

The next battle between Pennsylvania’s East and West came in the 1915 National Challenge Cup, this time with a spot in the Final on the line. Bethlehem switched leagues to the American League of Association Football Clubs and promptly won the championship with an 11-0-3 mark. 

Their Semifinal opponents were another powerhouse from the Pittsburgh area, Homestead Steel Works, Pittsburgh and District Association Football League champions for the 1913-14 season and coming to the end of a season that would see them take the league title again.

This time Bethlehem were hosts, playing the game at Lehigh University’s Taylor Stadium. The club also changed its name to Bethlehem Steel Football Club since Bethlehem Steel owner Charles Schwab took the team professional after the 1913-14 season.

The game was scheduled to kick off on Sunday, April 4, but a surprise snowstorm caused the game to be pushed back to the following day. Unfortunately for Homestead, the game wasn’t nearly as close as Bethlehem’s game with Braddock 15 months earlier.

Once again, Bethlehem would have the aid of a hat-trick hero, this time in the form of James Ford. Ford came to Bethlehem from Brooklyn Field Club, where he scored the winning goal in the first National Challenge Cup Final the year before.

Homestead would strike first in the 8th minute when Crawley scored on a “sensational play” as described by the Allentown Democrat.

From then on it was all Bethlehem. Minutes after Crawley’s goal, Tommy Fleming converted a penalty kick to bring Bethlehem level. A minute before halftime, Ford scored his first goal with an assist from Fleming.

At the start of the second half Bethlehem peppered Homestead goalkeeper Brown with shots, who was said to have played a “sterling game” in keeping the score from being worse. Twenty minutes into the second half Ford tallied his second and ten minutes after that he made it three, with another assist from Fleming.

This time Bethlehem would win the National Challenge Cup, beating 1914’s runners-up Brooklyn Celtic 3-1. It would be the first of Bethlehem’s five Cup titles.

Pittsburgh Press

March 2, 1918
National Challenge Cup Quarterfinals
McKeesport FC 0:5 Bethlehem Steel
Olympia Park – McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem: Harry Ratican 43’ 60’, Tommy Fleming 55’ 70’, Jimmy Easton 80’

By 1918 Bethlehem had solidified itself as the top team in the United States by winning the National Challenge Cup twice and the American Cup three times. After playing without a league for the 1916-17 season in favor of a schedule of exhibition and cup games, Bethlehem joined the National Association Football League. McKeesport were on their way to winning the Pittsburgh Press Soccer League for the 1917-18 season as well as the West Penn Cup.

In short, Bethlehem dominated the game, their lone blemish came midway through the first half when Tommy Fleming missed a penalty kick. The Steelmen would eventually score their first goal two minutes before halftime when Harry Ratican, who had come East a couple seasons prior to Bethlehem from Ben Miller FC of St. Louis, scored from close range after a failed clearance.

In the second half, Bethlehem poured it on. Fleming scored early in the second half off the rebound of a block by McKeesport goalkeeper Dixon. Five minutes later, Ratican struck for his second, then Fleming followed about ten minutes later to complete his brace. Jimmy Easton put a cap on the scoring ten minutes from the end.

Bethlehem would vanquish another steel team, Joliet Steel Works in the Semifinals 4-0 before claiming their third Cup championship over rivals Fall River Rovers. Bethlehem also won that year’s American Cup, becoming the first team to win both cup competitions in the same year. Only one other team, Brooklyn’s Robins Dry Dock in 1921, would accomplish the same feat.

1949 US Open Cup Final Second Leg

May 15, 1949
National Open Cup Final – First Leg
Philadelphia Nationals 1:0 Morgan
Holmes Stadium – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nationals: Nick Kropfelder 35’ (Bahr)

May 29, 1949
National Open Cup Final – Second Leg
Morgan 4:2 Philadelphia Nationals
Bridgeville Park – Bridgeville, Pennsylvania
Morgan: George Teyssier 23 2H, Nick DiOrio 2H, Albert Innarelli 2H
Nationals: Joe Smith 35’, Nick Kropfelder 2H (PK)

Morgan wins on 4-3 aggregate

From the 1920s to the mid-1950s, Eastern and Western Pennsylvania teams found themselves on opposite sides of the bracket, Eastern and Western. This meant the only way teams from the two regions could meet would be in the Final. This would happen twice, in 1949 and 1952.

In 1949, Morgan made its return to the Final for the first time since 1943, when they were sponsored by Strasser Jewelers and known as Morgan Strasser, their opponents were the ASL’s Philadelphia Nationals, who up to that point had played second fiddle to the more successful Philadelphia Americans.

In this era of the Open Cup, the Finals were usually played over two legs. In the first leg at Philadelphia, the Nationals took a 1-0 edge on a Nick Kropfelder goal from a Walter Bahr corner kick. The Nationals had a chance to double their lead in the second half, but Ed McIlvenny missed on a penalty kick, something that would come back to haunt Philly in the second leg.

Two weeks later in Bridgeville, Pa., the teams stood tied 1-1 at halftime, before Morgan began a scoring spree in the second half. Nick DiOrio, Albert Innarelli and George Teyssier all scored, while the Nationals could muster just one goal through Kropfelder, leaving Philly one goal — the missed first leg penalty — short.

1952 US Open Cup Final First Leg (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

June 1, 1952
National Open Cup Final – First Leg
Harmarville 3:4 Philadelphia Nationals
Consumer Field – Harmarville, Pennsylvania 
Harmarville: Steve Grivnow 8’ 18’, Sonny Yacopec 80’
Nationals: Len Owens 19’ 39’, John Cier 24’ 2H

June 8, 1952
National Open Cup Final – Second Leg
Philadelphia Nationals 1:4 (AET) Harmarville
It was 1:2 after regulation, which forced additional OT because it was 5-5 on aggregate
Holmes Field – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Harmarville: Nick DiOrio 80’, Sonny Yakopec 88’, Don Utchel 106’, Steve Grivnow 112’
Nationals: Bennie McLaughlin 55’

Harmarville wins on 7-5 aggregate

By 1952, the Philadelphia Nationals had turned their fortunes around. After spending much of the 1940s near the bottom of the ASL they were suddenly one of the top teams in the league, winning the league championship three straight seasons from 1949-1951. Harmarville were one of the top teams in Western Pennsylvania, coming off a double championship in 1951, winning both the Keystone League and the West Penn Cup.

The first leg of the 1952 Final at Harmarville’s Consumer Field was a slugfest. The hosts jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 18 minutes on a pair of goals from Steve Grivnow. The Nats answered a minute later through Len Owens, and the tied it five minutes later through John Cier. Owen struck for his second goal five minutes before halftime to put Philly up 3-2.

Early in the second half, Cier pushed the Nationals lead to 4-2, scoring after a throw-in by Tom Oliver. Ten minutes before the final whistle Harmarville‘s Sonny Yacopec scored to cut the advantage to 4-3 heading into the second leg a week later in the City of Brotherly Love.

At Holmes Field for the second leg, the Nationals increased their advantage to 5-3 on a Bennie McLaughlin header in the 55th minute. Harmarville stormed back, cutting the aggregate lead to 5-4 on Nick DiOrio’s 80th minute goal, then Sonny Yakopec tied the aggregate at 5-5 with two minutes remaining, forcing extra time.

The first 15 minutes of the extra session came and went without a goal, but in the 106th minute Don Utchel put Harmarville ahead. Then, five minutes later, Steve Grivnow, a member of the 1948 US Olympic soccer team, put the final nail in Philly’s coffin for a 7-5 aggregate win.

Harmarville would once again topple the Nationals in the 1953 Open Cup Quarterfinals 3-1, on their way to another appearance in the Final. Financial problems led to the Nationals folding four games into the 1954 ASL season, while Harmarville would win the Open Cup one more time in 1956. In 1963, Harmarville would find themselves in the way of a new soccer dynasty, the Ukrainian Nationals.

1963 Ukrainian Nationals

May 5, 1963
National Open Cup Quarterfinals
Ukrainian Nationals 5:0 Harmarville
Cambria Field – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nationals: Ismail Ferraro 15’ 2H, Larry Oliver 10’, Mike Noha 1H, Ricardo Mangini 2H

In 1963 the Ukrainian Nationals (or the “Uke Nats” as some would call them) were in the middle of one of the more dominant runs in American soccer. They were in the middle of the third of four straight ASL championships and had won the Open Cup in 1960 and 1961 and reached the Semifinals in 1959 and 1962. The Ukrainians were steamrolling their way through the 1963 US Open Cup, beating East Pennsylvania teams United German Hungarians and Kensington Blue Bells 5-1 and 6-1, respectively. Then they demolished Baltimore’s Italian Sports Association 13-0. Their first “close” game was a 4-1 win over NY Hota of the German American Soccer League.

Waiting in the Quarterfinals was Harmarville, the top team from Western Pennsylvania, a region that would decline through the 1960s as the top players from the 40s and 50s would gradually stop playing. The Nationals showed no mercy to their opponents from the Western half of the state, jumping out to a 3-0 first half lead on goals from Ismail Ferraro, Larry Oliver and Mike Noha. Ricardo Mangini and Ferraro, the ASL’s leading scorer at the time, pushed the final score to 5-0.

The Ukrainian Nationals would win the 1963 Open Cup, their third of four, beating New York’s Guiliana SC 5-1 over two legs, then beating a tough Armenian SC team from Los Angeles 1-0 after extra time, though technically they won via forfeit when the referee stopped the game after being struck by an Armenian player.

May 23, 1977
US Open Cup Quarterfinals
Arden SC 1:3 United German Hungarians
Washington, Pennsylvania
Arden: Jack Cardoza 21’
UGH: Chris Bahr 83’ 85’, Dave MacWilliams 2H

Before Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders grabbed headlines as two-sport stars, there was Chris Bahr. Bahr, son of National Soccer Hall of Famer Walter Bahr (1949 and 1952 Open Cup Finalist with the Philadelphia Nationals), was a standout as both a soccer and football player at Penn State. After graduating, Chris chose soccer at first. Drafted by the Philadelphia Atoms in 1975 he promptly won the NASL Rookie of the Year after scoring 11 goals in 22 games. 

In 1976, he decided to switch back to the gridiron after being drafted by the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals. This didn’t stop his soccer career, as he continued playing during the offseason with the United German Hungarians, one of the top amateur clubs in Eastern Pennsylvania. Along with his brother Casey, Chris would help lead UGH through a banner year in 1977, in which they would reach both the Open and Amateur Cup Finals.

On the road to the Open Cup Final, UGH had to face Arden SC of Western Pennsylvania in the Quarterfinals. Arden opened the scoring 21 minutes into the game on a goal from Jack Cardoza. Arden held UGH at bay for the rest of the half for a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, UGH turned up the heat in the second period, but Arden managed to hold. Nearing the final ten minutes, momentum seemed to swing in UGH’s favor when Arden was denied a penalty. As Cardoza was heading toward the goal, he appeared to be pushed. Referee George Allen overruled the linesman and did not allow the penalty kick, appearing to sap any momentum Arden had. 

Soon after, in the 83rd minute, Chris Bahr struck with his first goal, then two minutes later Bahr broke down the middle and beat Arden goalkeeper Ron Shewcraft for a 2-1 lead. To wrap it up, Dave MacWilliams, who would later have a lengthy career in the Major Indoor Soccer League before spending 17 years coaching the Temple University men’s program, scored an insurance goal to put UGH up 3-1 in through to the Semifinals.

United German Hungarians would reach the 1977 Open Cup Final only to be overwhelmed by Maccabee AC 5-0, as the legendary Los Angeles club claimed its third Open Cup title. A month later, UGH would face the Denver Kickers at home in the National Amateur Cup Final, but would fall short once again, this time 3-1.

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - History, Feature - Main, Feature Left - US Open Cup history, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup History Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Roberto Ydrach of Pittsburgh Riverhounds voted TheCup.us Player of Round

May 19, 2025 by Josh Hakala

Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: Ed Thompson, Pittsburgh Soccer Now

With seconds remaining, the crowd at Highmark Stadium was building to what they hoped was a crescendo as the hometown Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC set up for a corner kick. The game against Major League Soccer’s New York City FC was scoreless and seemed destined for extra time.

Pittsburgh’s Robbie Mertz delivered a corner kick to the far post where it found Roberto “Beto” Ydrach, who headed the ball across the goal and into the back of the net. Moments later, after a wild celebration that saw Ydrach rip off his shirt, the referee blew for full time. This meant the Riverhounds had won 1-0 and delivered their fans a third MLS upset in the last three years, with two of them coming at home in the Steel City.

Ydrach, a rookie who has been a mainstay for the Riverhounds all season, came off the bench in the 77th minute. His roughly 13 minutes of work, including that game-winning goal, was enough to earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

He beat out Brandon Vazquez of Austin FC who scored two goals and assisted on another to help the Verde and Black overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit and edge the El Paso Locomotive (USL Championship) 3-2. Orlando City teenager Gustavo Caraballo, whose two goals sparked the Lions to a 5-0 road win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies, finished third.

The game-winning goal by Ydrach was extra special because it was his first professional goal. For the former Akron University standout, waiting to score that first goal and to rip his shirt off was a long time coming.

“It’s been since probably I was three years old, since I started playing soccer,” said Ydrach. “That’s a requirement for a goal like that, right? I had to do it.”

For Ydrach, who was recently called up by the Puerto Rico national team, it was being in the right place at the right time and executing.

“Our assistant coach Rob (Vincent) put me in that position and I just read it in the air, the flight of the ball,” said Ydrach. “The defender stepped up a little bit, so I snuck behind him and just headed it in.”

The celebration that followed was a new experience for the former Big East Defender of the Year.

Roberto "Beto" Ydrach of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Cowger - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Roberto “Beto” Ydrach of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Cowger – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

“I blacked out,” he said. “The only thing on my mind was to take the shirt off. I’m not one to typically score that many goals in my career, so whenever I do, it’s typically a blackout scenario where I just run to the corner and have the whole team celebrate with me but it was a great moment for me, you know, we all work really hard for moments like that. To be  able to do something like that in your career is something special.”

Ydrach becomes the first Riverhounds player to be named TheCup.us Player of the Round. 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Player of the Round

2025 National Amateur Cup: Northeast Semifinals, Midwest Round 2 begin

May 16, 2025 by Michael Battista

Players from Lansdowne Yonkers FC in front of the New York City skyline. Credit: Lansdowne Yonkers FC
Players from Lansdowne Yonkers FC in front of the New York City skyline. Credit: Lansdowne Yonkers FC
Players from Lansdowne Yonkers FC in front of the New York City skyline. Credit: Lansdowne Yonkers FC

The 2025 National Amateur Cup, fresh off completing a round of games in the Midwest, is set to continue this weekend. Two regions of the country will see games while a third will close registration for its own amateur cup regional tournament next week.

Since 2018, the champion of the National Amateur Cup, the highest tournament in the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), receives direct qualification to the following year’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. For the last few years, TheCup.us has tracked the National Amateur Cup from its regional stages all the way up until the national final. These updates have been provided on Twitter / X and stats have been kept internally.

USASA is broken into four regions, each holding their own amateur cup tournament respectively. The champions of these four tournaments qualify for the national finals later this summer.

You can find information for every game the last two weeks below. Additionally, here are links to the articles made over the last month regarding other results:

  • April 6 (Intro)
  • April 8 (Region I)
  • April 25 (Region I QF, Region II Round 1 Preview)
  • April 30 (Region I QF recap, Region II Round 1 recap Part 1)
  • May 13 (Region II Round 1 recap Part 2)

FULL 2025 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS

REGION I (NORTHEAST)

The USASA Region I Amateur Cup is down to four, and each one has previously won the regional title. The two winners from this round will qualify for next month’s regional final. That game will be played at the Ukrainian American Sport Center in Horsham, Pa.

Defending National Amateur Cup champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms are still competing at this point.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Round 1 – Sunday, April 6 (Complete)
  • Quarterfinals – Sunday, April 27 (Complete)
  • Semifinals – Sunday, May 18
  • Final – Saturday, June 14

Below are the matchups and schedule for the Semifinals, which takes place on Sunday May, 18.

Lansdowne Yonkers FC (NY, APSL) at NY Pancyprian Freedoms (NY, APSL)
St. Michael’s Park – Queens, NY
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Christos FC (MD, ASPL) at West Chester United SC (PA, USLPA)
Bryn Athyn College – Bryn Athyn, PA
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

REGION II (MIDWEST)

The USASA Region II Amateur Cup, also known as the Bill Davey Amateur Cup, will kick off Round 2 this weekend (May 16-18). The region uses open admission, meaning any eligible team may enter the tournament. The format is a single-elimination knockout bracket.

Defending regional champion FC Milwaukee Torrent (WI, NPSL) and regional finalist Bavarian United SC (WI, MWPL) will enter in the Quarterfinal Round later this month.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Round 1 – Thursday, April 24 – Saturday, May 10 (Complete – Part 1, Part 2)
  • Round 2 – Sunday, May 11 – Wednesday, May 21
  • Quarterfinals – Thursday, May 22 – Wednesday, June 4
  • Semifinals – Thursday, June 5 – Wednesday, June 18
  • Final – Thursday, June 19 – Wednesday, July 3

Below are the matchups and schedule for Round 2, which is scheduled to take place between Sunday, May 11 and Wednesday, May 21. At this time, two of the six matches for Round 2 have been officially scheduled.

(All game times listed in EASTERN STANDARD TIME)

Sunday, May 18

Edgewater Castle FC (IL, MWPL) at Michigan Rangers FC (MI, NPSL)
Davenport University Football Stadium – Caledonia, MI
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: Hudl

Northern Kentucky Nitro FC (KY, OVPL) at Valhalla FC (OH, OVPL)
Seven Hills School – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Wednesday, May 21

Livonia City FC (MI, MPSL) at Michigan Stars U23 (MI, MWPL)
Michigan Stars Sports Center – Washington, MI
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Saturday, May 24

United Serbian SC (WI, WSL) at Vlora FC (MN, MASL)
Burnsville High School – Burnsville , MN
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: YouTube

Sunday, May 25

RWB Adria (IL, MWPL) at Rockford FC (IL, MWPL)
Mercyhealth Sportscore Two – Loves Park, IL
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: Sportsscore (PPV)

Wednesday, May 28

KS Wisloka Chicago (IL, PSLC) at Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
Stuart Field at the Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago, IL
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO: N/A

REGION III (SOUTH)

No information regarding the USASA Region III Amateur Cup has been released at this time.

REGION IV (WEST)

The USASA Region IV Amateur Cup seems to have a new format for 2025.

The region’s website says the tournament will take place in a single location, Salt Lake City, UT, over the course of three days between June 20 – 22, 2025. The deadline to register is Friday, May 23, 2025 and the fee to commit is $400. That date is fast approaching, with less than a week to enter.

In previous years the Region IV tournament has had a chaotic structure. Typically, it’s open admission for any eligible team from the region to participate. However, changing leadership and travel difficulties have made the tournament suffer in recent years with forfeits and hectic structuring.

Last year, the tournament remained open and ten teams signed up. The final four played a single location knockout tournament in Las Vegas, NV where FC Arizona (AZ, NPSL) won.

The description for the 2025 tournament could be a continuation of this. Knockout games could be regionalized until four remain, who will then travel to Utah in late June. Once we know more, we will pass this along.

In the meantime, interested teams from the following state associations, and the National Premier Soccer League, can sign up using the line above:

  • Alaska State Soccer Association
  • Arizona State Soccer Association
  • California Soccer Association – North
  • California State Soccer Association – South
  • Colorado Soccer Association
  • Hawaii Soccer Association
  • Idaho State Soccer Association
  • Montana State Soccer Association
  • Nevada Adult Soccer Association
  • New Mexico State Soccer Association
  • Oregon Adult Soccer Association
  • Utah Soccer Association
  • Washington State Adult Soccer Association
  • Wyoming Soccer Association

National Amateur Cup Finals

On April 7, Utah Adult Soccer posted a graphic on Instagram claiming that the national finals will be held in Milwaukee, Wis.

TheCup.us has confirmed with USASA sources that this is true. The national final four, featuring the regional champions from across the country, will be held at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee. The 4,000-seat stadium has previously hosted the U.S. Women’s National Team and was the former home of the Milwaukee Rampage (three-time US Open Cup qualifiers).

Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Main, Featured Post - US Open Cup Qualifying, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2025 National Amateur Cup, National Amateur Cup, USASA Region I, USASA Region II

2025 National Amateur Cup: Region II, Round 1 concludes in Midwest with many close calls

May 13, 2025 by Michael Battista

The 2025 National Amateur Cup played out in the Midwest over the last two weeks. While the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Fourth Round (Round of 32) saw a majority of Major League Soccer teams advance as favorites, the Amateur Cup saw plenty of surprises and close calls.

A National Premier Soccer League team was blown out by a local amateur side while another needed penalty kicks to advance. There were inter-league clashes between Ohio Valley Premier League and Midwest Premier League teams. Plus, we had the first official forfeit of the tournament.

You can find information for every game the last two weeks below. Additionally, here are links to the articles made over the last month regarding other results:

  • April 6 (Intro)
  • April 8 (Region I)
  • April 25 (Region I QF, Region II Round 1 Preview)
  • April 30 (Region I QF recap, Region II Round 1 recap Part 1)

FULL 2025 NATIONAL AMATEUR CUP SCHEDULE/RESULTS


REGION II (MIDWEST) – ROUND 1


Friday, May 2

Steel City FC (IL, MWPL)
1:3
KS Wisloka Chicago (IL, PSLC)

Providence Catholic High School – New Lenox, IL

Wisloka Chicago beat Steel City, 3-1, on a rainy night in Illinois to advance. Both teams were even to start but the Chicago side found the back of the net first. Storms rolled through as the second half progressed and a foul gave City a penalty kick to go-ahead, which struck off the post. Wisloka scored the go-ahead goal two minutes later and added a third not long after. Steel City will now aim its focus on both league and the elusive Illinois State Cup, while Wisloka tries to reach the regional quarterfinals for a second straight year.

Goal scorers

SCFC:

  • Christian Baumgartner 51’ (Sergio Reyes)

Wisloka:

  • Lukasz Sulka 9’
  • Kalvin Glodz 56’
  • Paweł Wilisowski 75’

Saturday, May 3

Goshen City FC (IN, MWPL)
1:1
Michigan Rangers FC (MI, NPSL)
Rangers advance via penalty kicks, 5:4
Goshen College Soccer Complex – Goshen, IN

A close game in Indiana saw Michigan Rangers squeak past Goshen City, 1-1 (5:4 on PKs). The crowd of 216 at Goshen College Soccer Complex didn’t see a goal until midway through the second half. A loss cross by the Rangers into the City box wasn’t cleared, allowing T.J. Ifauroti to recover it on the right side. His shot in the 67th minute put the National Premier Soccer League side ahead. Goshen looked for an equalizer, and brought on João Laranjo and Maxime Brégeon in the 75th minute. With time winding down, Brégeon passed up to Laranjo who shot long. The Michigan keeper looked to get on top of it, but the ball slipped underneath his body and momentum carried it into the back of the net.

After a scoreless extra time, and with the physicality ticking up, a penalty kick shootout was needed to determine the winner. Goshen’s first attempt by Joshua Cruz was saved and the Rangers were perfect through five rounds to advance on.

(A huge thanks to Tony Miller and the broadcast team who were invaluable to gathering details for this)

Goal scorers

GCFC:

  • João Laranjo 85’ (Maxime Brégeon)

MRFC:

  • T.J. Ifauroti 67’

Match Broadcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oI4c-I4L4c



Chicago House AC (IL, MWPL)
W:L
Billings FC (IL, PSLC)

Sources from both Chicago House and USASA confirmed with TheCup.us that Billings FC had forfeited the Round 1 match it was scheduled to play against House. The Midwest Premier League side advances to Round 2. Last year, the Peter Wilt-owned side reached the Quarterfinals before losing to eventual Region II champion FC Milwaukee Torrent.


Tuesday, May 6

Minnesota Blizzard FC (MN, NPSL)
1:5
Vlora FC (MN, MASL)
Eagan High School – Eagan, MN

The only North Star State battle of the tournament saw amateur regulars Vlora FC beat first-timers Minnesota Blizzard FC, 5-0. The National Premier Soccer League side, who were winless last year in their debut season in the North Conference, are still searching for that first victory as a competitive men’s side. Vlora reached the regional semifinals in 2024 but fell to eventual Region II champs FC Milwaukee Torrent.

Goal scorers

MBFC:

  • Willian Shrock (Ryan DeBois)

Vlora:

  • Ignacio Gonzalez (x2) (Easton Hoch)
  • Deq Jama (Easton Hoch)
  • Sohail Ebrahimi (PK)
  • Easton Hoch (Sohail Ebrahimi)


Cincy SC (OH, OVPL)
0:5
Northern Kentucky Nitro (KY, OVPL)

Riverside Park – Cincinnati, OH
MATCH BROADCAST

In a battle of Ohia Valley Premier League teams it was the visiting Northern Kentucky Nitro who left Cincinnati with a win, 5-0, over Cincy SC. Andrej Novakovic, a premier indoor soccer player in the PASL, scored a first half hat-trick. The win advances Nitro to Round 2, marking its best performance in the regional tournament after they went one-and-done in Round 1 back in 2022 (4-2 extra time loss to Springfield SC).

Goal scorers

NKN:

  • Bobo Kikonda 12’
  • Andrej Novakovic 13’ (Ben Oliver), 22’ (Tim Stolz), 45’ (Tim Stolz)
  • Thomas Wolfe 76’ (Ben Oliver)

Wednesday, May 7

Pearl City SC (IA, MWPL)
2:2
Rockford FC (IL, MWPL)
Rockford advance via penalty kicks, 5:4
Muscatine Soccer Complex – Muscatine, IA

In a back and forth match, Iowa’s lone amateur cup team fell as Pearl City SC lost to Rockford FC, 2-2 (7:6 on PKs). The home side equalized twice, including in the dying moments of the second half, and forced both extra time and eventually penalty kicks. The two teams were perfect through three rounds, but Pearl City’s fourth kicker saw his shot stopped by Rockford keeper Dennis Aragon. In the fifth round, Dasha Curiel converted to send Rockford into the next round.

Goal scorers

PCSC:

  • Unknown at this time

RFC:

  • Cayden Rodriguez 6’ (Sebastian Burrge)
  • Efren Gomez 33’ (Abraham “AB” Gonzalez)

Rockford FC Recap



Edgewater Castle FC (IL, MWPL)
5:0
SAC Wisla Chicago (IL, PSLC)
Lincoln Park Soccer Field – Chicago, IL

Edgewater Castle rolled past Wisla Chicago, 5-0, thanks to five unanswered goals. Taking a 1-0 lead into the second half, ECFC’s Murtadha Kamil exploded with four goals in 16 minutes. The Midwest Premier League side is off to the Second Round, which has been its achilles heel. Since 2021, the team has never played a third game in the regional tournament, always losing in the First Round or falling in the second game.

Goal scorers

ECFC:

  • Bardia Kimiavi 11’ (Alex Gomez)
  • Murtadha Kamil 72’ (PK), 77’ (Eduardo Aguilera-Guillen), 82’, 88’ (Lucas Sampson)

Saturday, May 10

United SC (IL, GCSL)
0:2
RWB Adria (IL, MWPL)
Lions for Hope Sports Complex – Chicago, IL

Two-time National Amateur Cup champion RWB Adria scored in each half to knock off United SC, 2-0, in Chicago. The game officially concluded Round 1 of the regional tournament. Loyola University sophomore Luka Ivancic sealed the result with a second half penalty kick.

Goal scorers

RWB:

  • Carson Messina 20’
  • Luka Ivancic 70’ (PK)

Filed Under: Amateur Cup, Feature - Amateur Cup, Feature - Main, Feature - Qualifying, Featured Post - Amateur Cup, Featured Post - Main, Featured Post - US Open Cup Qualifying, US Open Cup Central, US Open Cup Qualifying Tagged With: 2025 Amateur Cup, 2025 National Amateur Cup, USASA Region II

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

May 10, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

2025 us open cup player of the round graphic
photo of the river and bridge from subaru park. the graphic is thecup.us player of the round 2024 us open cup round 4 nominees
Graphic: Phil Naegely

The Fourth Round of the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is complete. There were a number of impressive individual performances over the 16 games last week. But which one was the best?  

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or upcoming rounds, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research its long history. If you did have a vote, which player do YOU think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Player, Team (League)

Patrick Agyemang, Charlotte FC (MLS)

Agyemang came off the bench in the 78th minute, scored Charlotte’s second goal in the 104th minute, then assisted on their final goal in the fourth minute of extra time stoppage time in Charlotte FC’s 4-1 extra time road win over North Carolina FC (USL-C).

Gustavo Caraballo, Orlando City SC (MLS)

Caraballo made his first career start, played 90 minutes, scored Orlando’s first two goals in the 34th and 36th minutes in Orlando’s 5-0 road win over the Tampa bay Rowdies (USL-C)

Randall Leal, D.C. United (MLS)

Leal came off the bench at halftime, assisted on both D.C. United goals in the 96th and 103rd minutes in United’s 2-0 extra time home win over the Charleston Battery (USL-C)

Mohammed Sofo, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Soto started, played 84 minutes, scored twice in the 16th and 44th minutes in New York Red Bulls’ 4-1 road win over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Kerwin Vargas, Charlotte FC (MLS)

Vargas started, played 120 minutes, scored Charlotte’s final goal in the 4th minute of extra time stoppage time and also assisted on their third goal in the 119th minute in Charlotte FC’s 4-1 extra time road win over North Carolina FC (USL-C)

Brandon Vázquez, Austin FC (MLS)

Vazquez started, played 90 minutes, scored the first and third goals in the 73rd and 80th minute, and assisted on the second goal in the 76th minute in Austin FC’s 3-2 home win over El Paso Locomotive (USL-C).

Owen Wolff, Austin FC (MLS)

Wolff came off the bench in the 60th minute, assisted on Austin’s first and third goals in the 73rd and 80th minutes in Austin FC’s 3-2 home win over El Paso Locomotive (USL-C)

Roberto Ydrach, Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)

Ydrach came off the bench in the 77th minute and scored the game winning goal in the sixth minute of second half stoppage time in Pittsburgh’s 1-0 home upset of New York City FC (MLS)

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup

2025 US Open Cup Round 4 Review: One lower division remains as MLS dominates Round of 32

May 7, 2025 by TheCup.us Staff

Graphic by Phil Naegely

The Fourth Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup had plenty of history in store by the time it ended on Wednesday night. From the Coffee Pot Cup battle between DC United and Charleston Battery to a match that featured five goals all scored in extra time, there was something unusual to find in every match. However, there was one bit of history that almost nobody could have predicted. 

With 16 MLS teams entering this round against 16 lower league opponents, the potential for cupsets seemed great. However, for the first time in the Modern Era, only one non-MLS club will be featured in the Round of 16 of the 110th edition of the US Open Cup.

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The Pittsburgh Riverhounds managed to be the last lower league member standing (and earned the $50,000 Division 2 prize money). And while these results may appear that the magic of the cup has left the lower league teams, the round was still marked with high competition, great drama, and more than a handful of gutsy performances that prove the Open Cup is still no cakewalk for the top division teams. Four of the 16 matches went to extra time (one of those ending in penalties) and another six matches ended with only a one-goal margin of victory for the MLS clubs involved.

The “Empire” may have struck back this year, but the lower leagues continue to show that their force is strong.

The Riverhounds and the 15 MLS survivors now advance to face off the week of May 20-21 with spots in the Quarterfinals on the line.

You can find a brief recap of all 16 Fourth Round games with links to the full match report and video highlights (as they become available).


TUESDAY, MAY 6

Graphic: Frank Lanham

DC United (MLS)
2:0
Charleston Battery (USL-C)
After Extra Time

By Connor Bunnell

The Round of 32 opened in our nation’s capital with an extra trophy on the line. In a rematch of the 2008 US Open Cup Final, MLS side and three-time Open Cup champions D.C. United bested the USL Championship’s Charleston Battery 2-0 in extra time to retain the Coffee Pot Cup.

Those who know this rare interdivisional derby had every reason to expect fireworks going in, and Charleston was the first to launch them, threatening for goals immediately and taking an early edge in possession over their MLS counterparts. D.C. soon found their footing, though, and in a back-and-forth first half, each side showed their stuff, but neither broke through for a score in the opening 45.

With the Coffee Pot Cup physically in the stadium by halftime, the two teams returned to the pitch hungry to make it theirs. Once again, the Battery threatened hard, getting their second disallowed goal for offsides in as many halves. For their part, United knocked furiously at the door and got multiple setpieces in dangerous territory, but couldn’t make anything of them. Add in some impressive saves from Charleston keeper Luis Zamudio and a painful stretch in the final minutes where the Eagles shot like they thought the goal was somewhere in the upper deck, and you have a recipe for this game going to extra time.

In the 96th minute, the dam finally broke, as D.C.’s Jacob Murrell got a pass from Randall Leal on the break and launched a curving missile from 25 yards out. Not satisfied with breaking the deadlock, the Eagles stayed on the hunt, turning a Battery free kick into a lightning-quick counter, with Jared Stroud poking it past a dumbstruck Zamudio to double the lead and Leal once again orchestrating things with an assist. Charleston’s Juan Torres copped a straight red in the second half of extra time, and that just about sealed it for the home side.

With their victory, DC United move to 36-16-7 all-time in the US Open Cup, as well as claiming a third straight Open Cup win in the Coffee Pot Cup rivalry.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

North Carolina FC (USL-C)
1:4
Charlotte FC (MLS)
After Extra Time

By Gracin Galbreath

In a stateside battle between two sides from North Carolina, it would be Charlotte FC who emerged victorious with a 4-1 win through extra time.

It would be a scoreless first half, with NCFC putting up a fair fight—both had two shots but the hosts were edged out in possession. In the second half, it was much of the same. A scoreless regulation would bring it to extra-time. 

Once substitutes were introduced, the match exploded into life. In the 97th minute, Liel Abada would break the deadlock for Charlotte after slotting a cutback into the middle of the net. Their 1-0 lead would last only a minute, after Rafael Mentzingen scored a driven shot into the bottom corner. Patrick Agyemang restored a lead for Charlotte in the 104th minute. 2-1 became 3-1 with Petkovic’s strike, and then 4-1 with Vargas who joined the scoring.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Nashville SC (MLS)
1:0
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)

By Jordan Beech

Josh Bauer’s 18th-minute strike was all that was needed for Nashville SC to triumph over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and advance to the Round of 16 on Wednesday night.

Nashville, largely unbothered by their Division 3 counterparts, advanced to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in club history, including the second time in three years. While Chattanooga’s time in the Cup is over, 2025 was the Red Wolves’ best showing to date in the tournament.

Nashville remains unbeaten in nine all-time home games (8-0-1, 0-1 PKs) in Open Cup competition

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
1:4
New York Red Bulls (MLS)

By Tim Thomas

A hard fought match on chilly and rainy night at over 6,000 feet above sea level would see the New York Red Bulls overtake the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, 4-1. A first half brace by Mohammed Sofo made all the difference in the match.

The first half did not see many chances for the Red Bulls but Sofo capitalized on both of them he was given, snagging a brace with goals in the 16th and 44th minutes. The second half saw an energized Switchbacks side come out swinging with plenty of chances. Ultimately, it would be New York who would cash in with a goal by Dennis Gjengaar in the 64th minute. Anthony Fontana would give the Switchbacks a fighting chance eight minutes later with a goal. It wouldn’t be enough for the hometown team as Sean Nealis would shut the door with a late Red Bulls goal.

This marked the first time the Colorado Springs Switchbacks had ever hosted an MLS team. The loss would drop Colorado Springs to 7-8-1 all time in the Cup and ensure that they will have to try again next year to make it past the Fourth Round. With the victory New York improves to 28-21-4 in Open Cup matches.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Tacoma Defiance (MLSNP)
2:3
Portland Timbers FC (MLS)

By Andrew Repp

In a spirited Round of 32 match between Portland Timbers of MLS and their Cascadia hosts Tacoma Defiance of MLS NEXT Pro, Portland came out on top in a 3-2 thriller.

After a fairly even first half hour where the hosts arguably had the better of the few chances to be found, Timbers earned the breakthrough after winning a corner in the 33rd minute. Ariel Lassiter swung it in and Zac McGraw headed it in from close range to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Both sides remained aggressive but couldn’t test their respective opposing keepers for the rest of the half.

Defiance quickly got their equalizer just three minutes into the second half when Osaze De Rosario smashed home a Georgi Minoungou cross from the right from close range. They followed the exact same pattern two minutes later, when another Minoungou cross from the right was hammered in by halftime sub Yu Tsukanome to give the home side a 2-1 advantage. In both cases, Timbers keeper Maxime Crepeau could do nothing to stop the shots.

Following the second Tacoma goal, neither team was able to turn any of their half chances into another score until the 80th minute, when Ian Smith of the Timbers sent in a cross from the left that halftime sub Gage Guerra headed past Defiance goalkeeper Andy Thomas to tie the match at 2-2.

There was more back and forth action, but Timbers scored the winning goal after Cristhian Paredes won a penalty kick in the 2nd minute of added time. Kevin Kelsy stepped to the spot and smashed the ball inside the left post to give the visitors a 3-2 lead. Tacoma had one final chance off a corner but were unable to knock it in.

Tacoma’s dream Open Cup run comes to an end, while Portland’s could be just beginning as they move on to the Round of 16.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Graphic: Frank Lanham

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
1:0
New York City FC (MLS)

By Connor Bunnell

The first, and what proved to be the only, Cupset of the round over an MLS team, and it happened in style as the USL Championship’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defeated New York City FC, 1-0.

In the early going, NYCFC established an overwhelming advantage in possession, a theme that would continue throughout the contest. While Pittsburgh were certainly capable of threatening when they had the ball, their chances were few and far between, while the Pigeons threatened their hosts time and time again, forcing Riverhounds goalie Eric Dick to earn his keep. However, in the 78th minute, City’s overwhelming momentum took a massive hit when defenseman Strahinja Tanasijević made a last man denial of a goal-scoring opportunity. That earned him a straight red and forced the visitors to try and survive with only ten men.

Even after that, New York continued to make menacing approaches, with multiple painful misses in front of Pittsburgh’s net, but the defining moment took place at the end of stoppage time, when Pittsburgh earned one last corner kick. Robbie Mertz launched it to the perfect spot, Beto Ydrach headed it in, and at the absolute death, the Riverhounds took the Cupset.

After this win, Pittsburgh are officially over .500 all-time in the Open Cup, with a record of 19-18-3. This is their third straight win over an MLS team.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Rhode Island FC (USL-C)  
1:2
New England Revolution (MLS)

By Zoe Schaedle

Despite enjoying majority of possession, Rhode Island FC fell to the New England Revolution in front of their home fans. The MLS side prevailed with a thrilling 2-1 win over the USL Championship team.

Coming off of a 2-0 road victory over Toronto FC, the Revs looked to counter quickly, attacking Rhode Island’s aggressive defensive press. Meanwhile, Rhode Island looked to win the ball back in the attacking half and target forwards Noah Fuson and Albert Dikwa. However, the Revs defense proved solid having already earned eight clean sheets this season. Defender Sands played a key role in locking down Rhode Island’s attacking threats in Fuson and Kwizera. 

In the 38th minute, Revs Tomas Chancalay got the better of Rhode Island’s defense led by Centerback Frank Nodarse who had just returned from his suspension for a red card in the club’s last Cup game against Portland Hearts of Pine. The 26-year-old Argentinian midfielder slotted it past Rhode Island’s goalkeeper Jackson Lee off of a defensive breakdown. 

The Revs spearheaded by Luis Diaz’s efforts down the right wing came out hot earning a corner to begin the second half. However, Rhode Island was far from finished, responding by testing New England’s goalkeeper Alex Bono with several shots from outside the box. The equalizer came in the 50th minute from a right footed finish at the top of the box by midfielder Maxi Rodriguez off of a cross from Fuson. 

It appeared as if the game would go to extra time when New England’s 75th minute sub Cristiano Oliveira found the back of the net in the 88th minute. The goal was scored off of a rebound shot by teammate Gevork Diarbian who had entered the match for goalscorer Chancalay only a minute before. 

Despite a hard fought effort by Rhode Island FC, the New England Revolution avoided “cupset” and advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2025 US Open Cup. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Louisville City FC (USL-C)  
0:1
Minnesota United (MLS)

By Ashle Paige 

In the first-ever meeting between Louisville City FC and Minnesota United, the hosts from Kentucky dominated nearly the whole match. But in the end it was a single 65th minute strike from Minnesota’s Darius Randell that sent the Loons into the Round of 16.

Coming off a 3-0 thrashing of Austin FC in MLS play just days prior, MNUFC brought in nine players from their MLS NEXT Pro squad to fill out the matchday eighteen. Louisville only changed three players from their previous match against Lexington and from the outset took advantage of the youth and cup inexperience of most of the Minnesota roster. The Boys in Purple seemed to take the lead early on in the contest with a 7th minute goal from Ray Serrano. Ultimately the goal was called back for offside and both clubs settled in for a grinding match that saw no shots on target through the halfway mark.

The second half of play started in the same fashion as the first, with Louisville controlling the pace of play and getting the better of Minnesota. Just as it was in the first half the Loons gained more and more composure. A 65th minute goal from the visitors, when Sang Bin Jeong slipped a low cross across the box to 17 year-old Darius Randell who banged home the shot, was the only one of the night and ultimately sent Minnesota on to the second round.

Louisville did not give up and proceeded to pepper Minnesota United with shots and take even more control for the remaining 35 minutes of the match. In response MNUFC moved to a much more defensive formation to do everything they could to see out the match. 15 shots from Louisville later Minnesota handed LouCity their first loss of 2025 in any competition and set up a date with St. Louis City in the Round of 16.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Philadelphia Union (MLS)  
1:1
Indy Eleven (USL-C)
Philadelphia advances 5-4 on penalty kicks

By George Diamond

The Philadelphia Union needed a penalty kick shootout to get past Indy Eleven in a chippy but exciting game. A heavily rotated Union squad opened the scoring early. In the 6th minute, Alejandro Bedoya headed a ball home past Indy goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook off a pinpoint Olivier Mbaizo cross.

Budding young star, Cavan Sullivan, impressed during his first start for the club but was denied a first goal by Charles-Cook several times. On the whole, the Union dominated but were unable to get a second goal. 

Shortly after halftime, Elvis Amoh equalizied with a slick backheel, putting the Eleven right back into action. Philly were forced to put on their starters. They peppered Indy’s goal, taking a whopping 33 shots in total, but were unable to find a go-ahead goal. On the other end of the pitch, Andrew Rick was called into action far less than his counterpart, but made several spectacular stops to prevent a cupset. Despite the Union pressure, Indy Eleven survived extra time and the game went to penalties. Former Union SuperDraft pick Aodhan Quinn saw his shot saved by Rick and Jovan Lukic went on to score the winning kick in the shootout, sending the fans at Subaru Park into raptures. The Union will advance to the Round of 16 where they will face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in an intrastate matchup.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C)
0:5
Orlando City SC (MLS)

By James Knowles

In a fixture known as much for the fireworks off the pitch as on it, the Tampa Bay Rowdies played host to Orlando City. After holding their own for the first thirty minutes or so, it seemed like the dam burst. In fact, it was 16-year-old academy product Gustavo Caraballo who benefitted most, scoring the first and second goals before a third from Ramiro Enrique effectively sealed the result before halftime. 

After the break, both teams made a few subs. The visitors were able to take their foot off the gas while also putting the game out of reach with goals from Duncan McGuire and Dagur Thórhallsson. It finished that way after 90 minutes – or a little sooner for a number fans who were escorted out. Orlando City maintained its record in competitive games vs. the Rowdies and moves on to the Round of 16. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Chicago Fire (MLS)
4:0
Detroit City FC (USL-C)

By Tim Hotze

Few cities in the country have longer or more storied histories in professional sports than Chicago and Detroit, but two pro teams from the two cities had never met in the Modern Era of the most historic trophy in the world’s largest sport until the Chicago Fire hosted Detroit City in Wednesday night’s US Open Cup Round of 32 matchup. Ultimately, the home side completed a routine and professional match against an overwhelmed lower-division opponent to the disappointment of their large contingent of traveling supporters, with Chicago finishing the night as 4-0 victors.

The match pitted a struggling Chicago Fire side, winless in their last six, against a Detroit City team undefeated in their last six games across all competitions, but it didn’t take long for the MLS team to make their mark when Maren Haile-Selassie managed to gain possession inside Detroit’s box in the fourth minute, sending the ball to Hugo Cuypers. From short distance, Cuypers cannoned the ball past Detroit goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña, who had no chance on the play. In the 35th minute, the Fire doubled their lead off an own goal by Detroit’s Darren Smith created by Chicago’s pressure in the box. 

The Fire added a third in the 50th minute when Chicago’s Jonathan Bamba pulled Detroit’s defense to him creating time and space for Omari Glasgow, giving Guyana’s all-time scorer his first goal for Chicago’s first team after making his U.S. Open Cup debut last year with Chicago Fire II in MLS Next Pro. In the 71st minute, Brian Gutiérrez set up Maren Haile-Selassie for the Fire’s fourth and final goal of the evening. The goal gave the Swiss winger a three point night alongside his two assists on the night.

The Chicago Fire’s 4-0 victory sets up an all-MLS matchup in the Round of 16 against the New England Revolution and ends Detroit City’s hopes to build on their U.S. Open Cup performance last year where they eliminated the defending champion Houston Galaxy.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

St. Louis CITY FC (MLS)
2:0
Union Omaha (USL-1)

By Tim Abbott 

An uneventful first half between the hosts and the Owls, with CITY reduced to pot shots from distance but Union not threatening from their low block.  

The theme continued in the second half and the game was decided by another blast from distance, a dipping shot from 25 yards by CITY debutant Joey Zalinsky in the 68th minute, for his first ever professional goal. João Klauss added icing to the scoreline in the 86th minute. And thus ended the lofty aims of the Owls of Union Omaha to add another cupset to their extensive record. 

CITY move on to play Minnesota United twice in a week – once in MLS and once in the Round of 16 of the Open Cup. Union Omaha does walk away with a $50,000 consolation prize as the Third Division team that advanced the furthest in the tournament (they edged Tacoma Defiance via a “regulation wins” tiebreaker)   

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

FC Dallas (MLS)
3:1
AV ALTA FC (USL-1)

By Julian Cardillo

FC Dallas opened their 2025 US Open Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over AV ALTA FC, a USL League One entry from Southern California, in the Round of 32 at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday night.

Goals from Luciano Acosta, Kaick da silva Ferreira, and Bernard Kamungo powered Dallas to victory. That said, the slickest moment of the match — indeed, what may go down as the best goal in this year’s edition of the 110-year-old tournament — came in the 16th minute, when AV ALTA’s Osvaldo Rafael Lay Ayala found the back of the net with an effort from behind the midfield line; Ayala’s long-range stunner bounced over the head of Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi, who was off his line, before settling inside the goal.

Ayala’s goal served as a formidable response to Acosta’s opener, which was converted off a low cross from the right flank in the third minute. Kaick restored Dallas’ lead in the 42nd minute after being played in behind on the left edge of the box by Tsiki Ntsabeleng. Kamungo put the game out of reach by finishing a low cross from the left flank in the 71st minute.

FC Dallas, owners of the 1997 and 2016 U.S. Open Cup titles, play the New York Red Bulls in the Round of 16 on either May 20 or 21.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Austin FC (MLS)
3:2
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)

By A.D. Mosier

For 72 minutes, it looked like El Paso Locomotive FC was going to pull a Texas-sized Cupset in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Leaning on a first-half brace by Beto Avila with just over a quarter of an hour to play, it looked like the lowly USL Championship side would slay the giants to the north. Then the Verde seemed to wake up, scoring three unanswered goals in the span of seven minutes to advance to stop the Locomotive’s hopes of advancing into the Round of 16 in its tracks. 

Brandon Vasquez earned the hefty transfer fee Austin paid to bring him back north of the border bookending Austin’s scoring, along with Myrto Uzuni, whose 76th minute goal drew Austin level. 

Moments after El Paso had goal called back for an obvious offside, Avila opened scoring in the 20th minute, beating two Austin defenders off the dribble inside the penalty area. Avila bagged his second on the night thanks to some dodgy defending, getting the rebound off a badly played ball off a defender and hitting the ball to the far post, where Austin goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland failed to make a routine save to his right. 

It wasn’t until the final 20 minutes that Austin looked like the higher-budget team. Vasquez finally put the hosts on the scoreboard in the 73rd minute running onto a through-ball from Owen Wolff. Uzuni drew the hosts level three minutes later, slotting the ball to the far post from 18 yards after some deft post-up play by Vasquez. Then Vasquez put Austin in the lead with his head four minutes later, redirecting a Wolff cross to put Austin through to the Round of 16 for the second time in club history. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)  
1:4
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
After Extra Time

By A.D. Mosier

It took 120 minutes, but the Houston Dynamo will move on to the Round off 16 thanks to a brilliant 99th minute goal by Jack McGlynn to break a 1-1 deadlock with Phoenix Rising. The 2023 Open Cup champions would go on to score three goals in extra time to advance to the Round of 16

Felipe Andrade put the Dynamo in the lead in the 17th minute, nodding home a 17th minute free kick from Nico Lodeiro.

Dariusz Formella pulled the home side level in the fourth minute of first-half added time from the penalty spot after a controversial call on Dynamo goalkeeper, Blake Gillingham, on Ihsan Sacko.

The second half was all Dynamo. Everyone at Phoenix Rising Stadium knew it was only a matter of time before the bending Rising back line would finally break. 

Jack McGlynn put the visitors in the lead with a spectacular left-footed goal in the 99th minute. McGlynn entered the match in the 63rd minute as part of a Houston shift change that seized control of the match. After several near misses in regulation, McGlynn bagged the winner, curling his twenty-yard shot to the far post past a statuesque  Patrick Rakovsky. 

From there, the floodgates opened. Substitute Ezequiel Ponce iced the game in the 112th minute finishing a cross from Ondrej Linger from close range, followed by a fourth goal by Sebastian Kowalczyk three minutes later to put the Dynamo through to the Round of 16. 

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT


Graphic: Frank Lanham

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
2:1
Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)

By Tim Howerton

The San Jose Earthquakes started quickly as they defeated Sacramento Republic 2-1 on Wednesday night. The hosts dominated all phases of the match and, despite the scoreline, were never in danger of falling to their second division rivals.

Preston Judd found Amahl Pellegrino only 67 seconds into the match to start the scoring. Sacramento’s defense then found themselves on the back foot for the majority of the next 20 minutes, and were lucky not to be down even more. Pellegrino proved himself to be a major problem in the center and left of the box, but couldn’t complete three more early chances at increasing the San Jose lead.

After amassing only 18% possession in the first 25 minutes Sacramento started to find signs of life, began some good spells of possession and got in some dangerous positions. The attack was just a step too slow, however, and the defense found ways to constantly recover holding the USL Championship side to only one shot in the first half—which was well off target.

Just as the visitors thought they might escape to the locker room with their luck intact, Judd grabbed a goal of his own. His 43rd-minute strike, off an amazing flick on assist from 19-year-old Niko Tsakiris, set the halftime scoreline at 2-0.

The second half wasn’t quite action packed as San Jose was able to hold Sacramento at arms length for most of the half. The hosts had the more dangerous of chances, including three that Pellegrino will wish he could have slotted home, but Sacramento was able to build better momentum and possession going forward.

However, what was looking to be a professional performance to close out the second half could have proven to be very nervous for San Jose. Jamar Ricketts was shown a straight red card in the 83rd minute as his challenge from behind on Aaron Edwards was immediately deemed too dangerous.

Trevor Amann was able to get a consolation goal back for Sacramento in the 6th minute of stoppage time, but it would prove too little, too late as the USL Championship side bowed out of the tournament.

San Jose Earthquakes will now prepare to host Portland Timbers on either May 20th or 21st in the Round of 16.

[+] FULL MATCH REPORT

 

 

Filed Under: 2025 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2025 US Open Cup

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U.S. Open Cup History

Dating back to 1913, Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh soccer rivalry returns to US Open Cup

It’s a geographic rivalry that crosses the boundaries of sports. Steelers vs. Eagles, Pirates vs. Phillies, Penguins vs Flyers, Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia. In the world of American Pro soccer however, the cities have never crossed paths.

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